Dino Melaye, a charismatic and controversial figure in Nigerian politics, has traversed a tumultuous journey that spans both legislative accomplishments and legal controversies. This blog post delves into the multifaceted aspects of Dino Melaye’s life, exploring his early years, political career, notable controversies, and impact on social activism.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 1, 1974, in Kano State, Nigeria, Dino Melaye’s early life shaped his resilience and determination. He attended Abdulaziz Attah Memorial College in Okene.
He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Geography at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He was the Student Union’s leader at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria laying the foundation for his future political endeavors.
Dino Melaye was actively involved in student organisations during his time as a student. He became the leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). He later held prominent positions in international youth councils, serving as the Secretary-General of the African Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Council.
Family life
Details about Melaye’s personal life, family, and interests outside of politics are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. He has been married twice with both marriages ending in divorce due to allegations of domestic violence.
He married Tokunbo Melaye for ten years, but they divorced. The divorce happened because of domestic violence. Tokunbo and Melaye have three children together.
Dino Melaye has five children from three different women. He has three children with his first wife, Tokunbo, one with his second wife, Alero Falope, and one with his ex-girlfriend, Bisi Ibidapo-Obe. All of his children were born in Nigeria. Out of all his children, his two sons, Joshua and Israel, are somewhat famous for getting into controversies.
Political Career
Melaye’s foray into politics began in 2007 when he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Kabba/Ijumu federal constituency. His charisma and vocal nature quickly made him a notable figure within the political landscape.
Transitioning to the Senate in 2015, Melaye continued to capture attention with his active participation in legislative matters. His tenure, however, was not without its share of controversies, both inside and outside the hallowed halls of the Senate.
Initially a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he later returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the lead-up to the 2019 elections after a period of political struggle with the Kogi State governor.
In May 2016, Melaye published the book “Antidotes for Corruption: The Nigerian Story,” which further showcased his engagement with pressing issues in the country.
Dino Melaye sponsored around 20 bills and initiated 30 motions in the 8th National Assembly. He sponsored an outstanding bill establishing a Federal University of Agriculture in Kabba. He also supported bills related to the prohibition of lynching and mob action, disability integration, and protection against domestic violence.
He was re-elected in February 2019 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to continue representing the Kogi-West constituency.
However, his election victory was challenged by his main opponent from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who filed a petition to annul Melaye’s election. As a result, a re-run election was ordered by the Election Petitions Tribunal. Dino Melaye lost his appeal to retain his senatorial seat in October 2019.
Controversies and Legal Battles
Dino Melaye’s political career has been punctuated by legal challenges and disputes. Accusations of certificate forgery and election-related controversies have shadowed him, creating a narrative of legal battles that have tested his resilience.
Social Activism Beyond Politics
Beyond the political realm, Melaye has emerged as a prominent voice in social activism. Leveraging platforms like Twitter, he has championed causes ranging from human rights to socio-economic issues, showcasing a commitment to making a broader impact beyond legislative chambers.
The Enigmatic Persona
Melaye’s enigmatic persona, characterized by his flamboyant style and outspoken nature, has contributed to both his popularity and notoriety. He is known for his lavish lifestyle and music. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT. His ability to connect with the public has made him a captivating figure, transcending the conventional boundaries of Nigerian politics.
Net Worth
Dino Melaye has a supposed net worth of $800 million.
Source of Wealth
Dino Melaye’s wealth was built from the following sectors: Politics, Business, Real Estate, Investing.
During his time as a member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye received a monthly salary of 800,000 as his basic pay. Furthermore, he also received various allowances such as newspaper allowance, furniture allowance, wardrobe allowance, vehicle allowance, utilities, accommodation, and more. With all these added, Dino Melaye’s total monthly earnings amounted to around N9.8 million
Dino Melaye is also involved with The TOP Business, a magazine and global initiative focused on business, politics, and NGOs. The TOP Business is part of The TOP Person, an international charity that aims to help people improve their lives without any cost. Their mission is to empower one million people every year.
Dino Melaye invested in the popular American fast-food company McDonald’s during a difficult economic time in the United States. He shared that he put $350,000 into the company, and now his investment is worth around $1.2 million after taxes.
Cars
Dino Melaye has always lived a flamboyant life and he doesn’t hesitate to upload pictures and videos of his four-wheeled beauties. Some of them are
- Lamborghini Gallardo:
This sports car is valued at around $200,000.
- Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The price for these motorcycles starts at $100,000, and they are known for their iconic American style. His Harley Davidson is worth at least $150,000.
- Classic Rolls Royce, a luxury car estimated to cost around $400,000.
- Porsche Panamera, which has a starting price of $80,000.
- Range Rover: Known for its off-road capabilities, Prices for this car start at around $100,000, but it’s unlikely that Melaye opted for the cheapest version. His Range Rover is estimated to be worth about $150,000.
Dino Melaye also claims he received a private jet as a gift from Nyeson Woke, another Nigerian politician.
Conclusion
From his early days in Kano to the legislative chambers in Abuja, his journey has been one marked by triumphs and tribulations. Whether celebrated or criticized, Melaye’s impact on Nigerian politics and social activism cannot be ignored.
